OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2886, 26 September 1916, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR. A. A. STUART MENTEATH People in all parts of New Zealand Will regret to learn that Mr. A. Stuart Meutcath, tho well-known barrister, and ex-member of the House of Representatives for Wellington City, died at his residenco, Lower Hutt, yesterday morning, aged 65 years. The late Mr. Mentcath had been suffering from heart trouble for a fortnight past, and death was not altogether unexpected. Mr. Mentcath, who was a lineal descendant of the amalgamated StuaVtMcnteatli clan, was a fine typo of Scottish gentleman, a literary student always and up to tho last, his ripe knowledge and artistic leanings, combined with his suavo and charming manner, made him a very fascinating conversationalist, and a companion from whose judicious mind and speech one could always profit. Ho was by many considered . Wellington's most, perfect French linguist. His accent was impeccable, and his choico of words ait illuminative lesson to any student of French, as members of the French Cercle can attest. The lato Mr. Mentcath was anativo of Edinburgh, and was educated on tho ■ Continent—principally in Franca, Spain, and Italy. Returning to Edinburgh, ho studied law for the Scotch. Bar, but on account of delicate health ho came to New Zealand, and was almost immediately appointed manager of a branch of the National Bank which ,had been opened at Blenheim. He subsequently had the management of several offices on the West Coast. In 1880 his health had so greatly improved that ho went Home to resume his law studies. In April, 1883, he was called to tho Bar at the Middle Temple, and later returned to New Zealand and entered into the exercise of his profession at Greymouth and Reefton. In 1884 he went into politics, and defeated tho late Mr. R. H. J.' Reeves by a small majority for ths> Inangahua seat. Removing in 1886 tot Wellington, he in 1887 contested th» Te Aro seat against tho late Mr. F. H. Fraser, and won the election by 150 rotes. _ His term of Parliamentary life expired in 1890, and he did not Bcek re-election. The late Mr. Menteath was a Mason and a member of the Ancient Order of Dniids; and took a considerable interest in sporting matters. As .a member, and more than once president, of the Wellington French Club, ho did excellent service, and for several years he was French Consul at Wellington. In later years he strenuously upheld the causo of tho Moderate League. Mr. Menteath was in practice for many years in Wellington as a' barrister. For some years he was associated with Mr. Oswald Beere, but of late his partner has been Mr. F. Ward. Ho at one time filled tho office of president of tho Wellington Law Society, and has always been held in high esteem By members of both Bench and Bar in this city. The late Mr. Menteath was twice married. ■ By the first marriage there wore three children, two daughters and a son. The eldest daughter is Mrs, Allen, wife of Mr. .Charles G. Allen, chieF clerk to Mr. Menteath, and her sister. Miss Menteath, is a 'nurse with the British Forces in France. The son, Mr. Chas. Menteath, was killed when fighting with the New Zealand Forces in GaTlipoli. By bis second wife there were two daughters and a son, all at present residing at the ■ Hutt.